Page 16 of His to Possess
She swallowed hard, her composure slipping for just a moment. "Even if I was interested, I certainly don't have $200,000 lying around."
I chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Oh, it wasn't about the money. It was your interest, combined with your expertise as an art assessor, that convinced me to bid. Only one with knowledge and talent would have been excited by that painting. I personally don't care about reputation. It's overrated. I prefer to see actions in real life. And, back at the auction, I liked what I had seen."
I could see the wheels turning in her head, trying to process this information. She was smart, this one. Far too intelligent to be underestimated. She opened her mouth. Then closed it. At a total loss for words. It was entertaining to see, really.
"You see," I continued, "I don't make decisions lightly. Every move is carefully calculated. Your reaction to that painting told me it was worth investigating further. And who better to confirm its value than the woman who first recognized its potential?"
I watched as her expression shifted, her body language telegraphing her impending refusal. My jaw clenched involuntarily. I wasn't accustomed to being denied, and the prospect of her slipping away ignited a fury within me that I struggled to contain. This was my chance to turn things around and have everything work out in my favor.
"And if I was wrong?" she asked.
I highly doubted she was, but if that were the case… I wouldn't care. My plans for her reached beyond inspecting an art piece.The amount of money I paid for that painting was what I made in a few hours of work at worst. It was insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But the look on her face when I purchased it… now, that was priceless. That was what I wanted to see.
"That's the risk I'm willing to take," I responded. "I don't think you understand the gravity of this situation. My offer isn't just an opportunity, it's your only lifeline in this industry. A real one, at least, to help you achieve what you want."
Her eyes narrowed, but I pressed on, letting the mask of civility slip away. My patience was running thin. I wasn't quite used to not getting things I wanted, and I wasn't about to start a pattern now.
"You're tainted goods, as I'm told. The Paris scandal may not have been your fault, but it's left its mark. No reputable gallery or collector will touch you with a ten-foot pole." I leaned in closer, my words sharp as knives. "Except me. I'm offering you redemption, a chance to rebuild your career. Refuse, and I'll ensure those doors remain firmly closed."
I saw the shock in her eyes, quickly replaced by anger. Good. I could work with anger. In fact, I preferred it.
"Are you threatening me?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fire in her eyes.
"I'm stating facts," I replied coolly. "In this world, you're either with me or against me. And trust me, you don't want to be against me."
Laurel took a step back, her expression a mix of disbelief and disgust. "I can't believe this. You're actually trying to blackmail me?"
I shrugged, unapologetic. "Call it what you will. I prefer to think of it as strategic negotiation."
But even as the words left my mouth, I could see her slipping away. The defiance in her eyes told me she was ready to walk outthat door, consequences be damned. It was a foreign feeling, this loss of control, and it left me unbalanced.
Laurel squared her shoulders. Despite the fire in her eyes, the desperation seemed to outweigh everything else. She was considering it. "Only as an art assessor?"
I paused, seeing my opportunity. Her question revealed a chink in her armor, a hint of curiosity beneath the outrage. I softened my tone, reeling back the aggression. If there was ever a time for me to gain the upper hand and seize the chance, it was now.
I pushed the contract forward on my desk, sliding it toward Laurel. "Read it," I said, my voice smooth as velvet. "Everything you need to know is right there in black and white."
Her eyes flickered down to the document, then back to me, suspicion evident in her gaze. Perhaps it was something coded into her DNA through thousands of years of evolution—the caution that came along with facing a predator. My lips twitched as I tried to hold back my smile. Smart girl.
"As for the intimate aspect you mentioned earlier," I continued, choosing my words carefully, "I won't deny that I find you beautiful, but I assure you, I would never take advantage of a woman who doesn't want to be with me." I paused, letting that sink in before I added, "However, I am a particular man, as you may have heard. I have eccentricities that must be accommodated. If you're willing to do so, I'll not only compensate you handsomely but pull every string in this city to restore your reputation."
Laurel's brow furrowed, her voice laced with doubt as she responded, "If you do that, everyone would presume I am sleeping with you."
I couldn't help but chuckle, amused by her frankness. "Nobody has to know about our arrangement. Your work on my collectionand expertise on the watercolor would be entirely separate. Nothing would leak."
She eyed me warily, her next question careful and measured. "And what exactly would this 'arrangement' entail?"
I stood from my desk, circling to face Laurel directly. The shift in her demeanor was subtle, but I could sense it—a flicker of curiosity, a hint of wavering resolve. I'd won, and we both knew it, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
"It's nothing you wouldn't be able to handle," I said, my voice smooth as silk. "You're a strong woman, after all. Capable. Independent."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but I could see the wheels turning behind them. She was intrigued, despite her better judgment.
Now, I stood close enough that she could feel my presence, but not quite touching. Her scent crept into my nostrils, momentarily intoxicating me. The things I could do to this woman… The thought swirled around my mind, dangerously consuming, but I chased it away. "Take the contract with you. You can take your time reading through it, of course. I wouldn't want you to feel rushed once again."
Laurel crossed her arms, her suspicion evident. "The way you're talking about this contract sounds ominous. How do I know there's not something hidden in the fine print?"
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Ominous? Not at all. It's simply my way of doing business. I believe in clarity and transparency. No surprises for either party." I tucked my hands into my pockets. "In fact, if you want, you can have a lawyer take a look at it."
